LN Mortice Chisel Question

[Joe]

I've just bought an LN mortice chisel and I wanted to ask if other members of the forum think it's worth polishing the back (i.e. the side opposite the bevel)? There are some faint grinding marks so I guess the quality of the edge would improve if they were removed but I'm scared of ruining the flatness. Does a mortice chisel really need as fine an edge as one used for paring?

Thanks

Joel

 

[Philly]

Joel
Its worth giving it a polish, but be warned - mortise chisels lead a rough life! Mine are all fairly scratched (yes, after polishing them :roll: )
Try them and see?
Philly

 

[Waka]

Joel

Unlike Philly I've not touched the back of mine, personnal preference I think.

 

[woodbloke]

Joel - again, like Philly says, it may be worth polishing the backs...I have a few and haven't bothered and they work well so I'm not going to - Rob

 

[Joe]

Ok, thanks to all for the advice.

Joel

 

[David C]

A little polishing will improve the quality of the edge.

Care is required not to round over the width, on narrower chisels, and I would use movement two, only. i.e. a movement in line with the length of the chisel.

David

 

[00dannyboy]

I polish the backs of mine. I have two LN mortising chisels. i take a piece of flat wood and smear some diamond paste on it and then polish til i can see my reflection. does not take long with the diamond paste.

ciao,

dan